John Hubbard, U.S. ambassador and USC president, dies

John R. Hubbard, a historian and former U.S. ambassador to India who was president of the University of Southern California in the 1970s, died Aug 21 at his home in Rancho Mirage, Calif., the university announced.

The broad-shouldered and outspoken Texas native, widely known as “Jack,” was 92. No cause of death was reported.

During his decade-long presidency, Dr. Hubbard was credited with helping to boost USC’s finances and academic reputation. His term was also marked with controversies over donations from the shah of Iran and from corporations doing business in Saudi Arabia.

Dr. Hubbard, who was an expert on British diplomatic history and U.S.-India ties, continued to teach part time at USC until he was 91, even if it meant sometimes leaning on a walker....